Milwaukee 3453-20 Fuel 1/4″ Cordless Hex Impact Driver Review: Top Pick for DIYers?

Looking for a compact powerhouse to tackle your DIY projects? We’ve been testing out the Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver, and it’s got us excited.

This little tool packs a surprising punch. We were amazed by how much torque it delivers in such a small package.

It’s super light too, which made it easy to use all day without getting tired. The three LED lights are a nice touch – they really helped us see what we were doing in tight spots.

Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver

We found the 4-mode drive control really useful. It let us adjust the power for different jobs. The self-tapping screw mode came in handy more than we expected.

One small issue we noticed was the forward/reverse switch – it’s in a spot where we sometimes hit it by accident.

Bottom Line

We think the Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver is a great choice for anyone who needs a powerful but compact tool. It’s perfect for tight spaces and everyday tasks.

Check it out on Amazon and see if it’s the right fit for your toolbox!

Discover the Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel Impact Driver

We’ve been using this little powerhouse, and it’s blown us away! The Milwaukee 12V impact driver packs a punch in a tiny package. At just 5 inches long, it fits in tight spots where other tools can’t go.

We love how light it is – only 2 pounds! It’s easy to carry around all day without getting tired.

The brushless motor is super impressive. It gives us up to 1,500 inch-pounds of torque, which is plenty for most jobs.

We can switch between 4 different modes, including one for self-tapping screws. The top speed of 3,600 RPM lets us work fast.

Our favorite feature is the three LED lights. They light up our workspace really well, so we can see what we’re doing even in dark corners.

The only downside we found is that the forward/reverse switch can be a bit touchy. But overall, this Milwaukee impact driver is a great tool for DIY projects and professional work alike.

Unparalleled Torque in a Compact Form

We were blown away by the power packed into this small impact driver. The Milwaukee 12V Fuel packs a serious punch with 1500 inch-pounds of torque. That’s a lot of muscle for such a compact tool.

We found it easily handled tough jobs like driving long screws into hardwood.

The driver weighs just 1.6 pounds, making it easy to use all day without arm fatigue. Its small size let us work in tight spaces where larger drivers can’t fit.

We liked the 4 speed settings that gave us control for different tasks.

The brushless motor runs smooth and quiet. It spins up to 3600 RPM for fast driving. We were impressed by how much work we could do on a single battery charge.

This little powerhouse proves good things come in small packages. It’s a great choice for DIYers and pros who want big performance in a small tool.

Illuminate Your Workspace with Bright LEDs

We were amazed by the lighting features on this compact impact driver. The three LEDs really lit up our work area, making it easy to see what we were doing even in dim spaces.

Whether we were under a sink or in a tight corner, we never had to strain our eyes. The lights are positioned well, casting an even glow without creating shadows.

This handy feature saved us from having to juggle a flashlight while working. It’s a small touch, but it made a big difference in our comfort and accuracy on the job.

Speed that Stands Out with 3600 RPM

We were amazed by the Milwaukee impact driver’s incredible speed. At 3600 RPM, this tool zips through tasks faster than we expected.

It made quick work of driving screws and bolts. The four speed settings let us match the power to the job.

For delicate work, we slowed it down. When we needed full force, we cranked it up. This versatility impressed us.

The high speed really shines when working on tough materials or driving long fasteners. We found it cut our work time significantly.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. At top speed, it’s easy to overdrive screws if you’re not careful.

Convenience at Its Best: Self-Tapping Screw Mode

We love how easy this little impact driver makes our projects. The self-tapping screw mode is a game-changer.

We don’t have to worry about stripping screws or damaging materials anymore. It’s perfect for putting up drywall or working with sheet metal.

The driver adjusts its speed and power automatically. This means we can work faster and more efficiently.

We’ve found it really shines when we’re doing repetitive tasks. The compact size lets us get into tight spots too.

It’s light enough that we can use it all day without getting tired. The self-tapping mode is just one of four handy settings on this tool.

Travel-Friendly Tool with Lightweight Design

We love how easy this impact driver is to carry around. At just 2 pounds, it’s super light and won’t weigh us down on the job.

We can clip it to our tool belt without any hassle. The compact size is great too – it’s only 5 inches long, so it fits in tight spots with no problem.

We’ve found it really handy for working in cramped areas like under sinks or in closets. The LED lights are a nice touch, lighting up dark corners so we can see what we’re doing.

With its small size and light weight, this Milwaukee tool is perfect for taking on service calls or to different job sites.

Pros and Cons

We’ve put this compact powerhouse through its paces, and we’re excited to share our thoughts. The Milwaukee 12V Impact Driver packs a punch in a small package. Let’s break down what we loved and where it fell short.

Pros

  • Impressive power for its size
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Versatile 4-mode drive control
  • Bright LED lights for better visibility
  • Long-lasting battery life

This little tool surprised us with its muscle. It can deliver up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque, which is plenty for most jobs.

We found it super comfortable to use all day, weighing just 2 lbs. The 4-mode drive control is a nice touch, letting us switch between tasks easily.

We really liked the LED lights – they made working in tight, dark spaces much easier.

Cons

  • Awkward placement of forward/reverse switch
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
  • Bare tool only – battery and charger sold separately

While we loved using this driver, it’s not perfect. The biggest issue we ran into was the forward/reverse switch.

It’s in a spot where we kept hitting it by accident, which got frustrating. It’s also a bit pricey, especially since you need to buy the battery and charger separately.

But if you’re already invested in the Milwaukee 12V system, this won’t be a problem for you.

Customer Reviews

We’ve been using the Milwaukee 12V impact driver for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. Many users love how powerful it is for its compact size. The tool feels comfortable in hand and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Most buyers give this impact driver high marks, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 750 reviews. People praise its strength, saying it can handle small to medium jobs with ease.

Some even find it more powerful than larger 18V or 20V models they’ve used before.

A few minor gripes came up in reviews. The forward/reverse switch location bothers some users, as it can get bumped accidentally. Also, a small number of buyers felt the price was a bit high.

Overall, customers seem very happy with this Milwaukee tool. We think it’s a solid choice for DIYers and pros who want a compact but capable impact driver.

Conclusion

We’re really impressed with this little powerhouse. The Milwaukee 12V impact driver packs a punch in a compact package. It’s super light and easy to handle, making it perfect for tight spots and all-day use.

We found it surprisingly strong for a 12V tool, even outperforming some larger 20V models we’ve tried.

The tool feels well-built and durable, typical of Milwaukee quality. We love how easy it is to switch power settings on the fly.

While it’s great for most tasks, the awkwardly placed forward/reverse switch can be annoying at times.

Overall, we think this impact driver is a great choice for DIYers and pros alike. It’s powerful, portable, and built to last. If you need a versatile tool for small to medium jobs, this Milwaukee won’t let you down.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve tested out the M12 impact driver and gathered some common questions to help you decide if it’s right for your toolkit.

What improvements have been made in the latest Milwaukee M12 FUEL Impact Driver?

The new M12 FUEL packs a serious punch in a tiny package. We noticed it’s faster and more compact than previous models.

The brushless motor gives it impressive torque – up to 1,500 inch-pounds. It’s only 5 inches long, making it great for tight spots. The three LEDs light up dark work areas really well.

How does the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver perform in professional settings?

This little tool holds its own on job sites. We found it works great for most tasks pros tackle daily.

The four-mode drive control lets us dial in the right power for different jobs. It’s light at just 2 pounds, so it’s easy to carry all day. The self-tapping screw mode is handy for metal work.

Can you compare the torque capabilities of the Milwaukee 3453-20 with previous models?

The 3453-20 delivers up to 1,500 inch-pounds of torque. That’s a big step up from older M12 models.

We were impressed by how much power it packs for its size. It can handle tougher jobs that used to need bigger tools.

What are the key specifications and features of the Milwaukee 3453-20 Impact Driver?

Key specs:

  • 12V battery system
  • 1,500 inch-pounds of torque
  • Up to 3,600 RPM
  • 5 inches long
  • Weighs 2 pounds (tool only)

Top features:

  • Brushless motor
  • 4-mode drive control
  • Three LED lights
  • Self-tapping screw mode
  • Compact size for tight spaces

Is there any significant difference in power between the 3453-20, 3453-22, and 3453-21 models?

We found no difference in power between these models. The numbers after the dash just tell you what’s included:

  • 3453-20: Bare tool only
  • 3453-22: Tool plus two batteries and charger
  • 3453-21: Tool plus one battery and charger

The tool itself is the same across all three options.

How do the noise levels and driving control of the Milwaukee FUEL compare to the Milwaukee Surge?

The M12 FUEL is louder than the Surge. We noticed the Surge is much quieter, which is nice for indoor work. But the M12 FUEL has more raw power. Its four-mode control gives good precision, but the Surge’s hydraulic drive is smoother. For noise-sensitive jobs, go with the Surge. For max power in a tiny tool, the M12 FUEL wins.

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